Young people afraid to report sexual violence, report claims

Young people need to be given the tools to report on whether they've been a victim of sexual violence, the Rape Crisis Network has said.

The group has published a report showing young people often don't have the confidence to refuse or report unwanted sex. They also claim many are afraid to report an incident because they were too drunk when it happened.

"They're using language like: well, I don't think it's rape, but it's rape-y'" said Fiona Neary from the RCNI.

"[There's] a real gap in their education in terms of what is sexual violence. Is being forced to give someone oral sex - is that sexual violence or not? Of course it is."

The report's authors say young people need to have a great understanding of what constitutes sexual violence, how they can report it, and the risks of alcohol.